The Ultimate GERD Medication Quiz

When it comes to treating GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), there is a variety of medication options, from antacids to proton pump inhibitors. GERD medications, overall, are very effective in treating acid reflux and heartburn. Be a wise consumer though, as most medications come with a long list of side effects and may have long-term consequences on your health. Take this quiz and learn all about the vast array of GERD medications that are available.

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Question 1 of 20

What is alginic acid/antacid combination medication used for?

slow but long-term relief of severe GERD symptoms

rapid relief of occasional GERD symptoms

An alginic acid/antacid combination is best used for immediate relief of occasional heartburn and acid reflux. Alginic acid creates a barrier between your esophagus and stomach acids, preventing heartburn symptoms.

rapid relief of severe GERD symptoms

Question 2 of 20

When should you take alginic acid/antacid medication?

before you eat

after you eat

You should take alginic acid/antacid medication right after you eat for the medication to work effectively.

first onset of heartburn

Question 3 of 20

Alginic acid/antacid medication are available:

by prescription only

in Mexico only

over-the-counter

You can easily find alginic acid/antacid medication in your local pharmacy. This form of over-the-counter medication is a relatively popular way to treat heartburn.

Question 4 of 20

What are the side effects of alginic acid/antacid medication?

constipation and chalky taste in your mouth

diarrhea, nausea and vomiting

both of the above

Take alginic acid/antacid medication sparingly, as there are several moderate side effects, including constipation, chalky taste, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Question 5 of 20

Who should avoid taking alginic acid/antacid medication?

Someone on a sodium-restrictive diet.

It is not recommended for people on sodium restrictive diets to take alginic acid/antacid medication. You should also consult your doctor before taking alginic acid/antacid medication if you are taking prescription medication.

Someone with type 2 diabetes.

both of the above

Question 6 of 20

When should you take antacid medication to prevent nighttime heartburn?

after every meal

one to three hours before bed

Try taking antacid medication one to three hours before bed to prevent nighttime heartburn. If you are experiencing nighttime heartburn, it is also advisable to see your doctor, as this is a sign of more serious acid reflux.

immediately before bed and once during the night

Question 7 of 20

Which of the following is an example of an over-the-counter H2 blocker?

Pepcid AC

Pepcid AC, Zantac 75 and Axid AR are all half strength of their prescription counterparts. Theses over-the-counter H2 blockers are used to treat moderate GERD symptoms.

Zantac

Axid

Question 8 of 20

When should H2 blockers be taken for optimal GERD symptom relief?

prior to eating

You can take H2 blockers up to one hour before eating to prevent GERD symptoms. H2 blockers are slower to provide symptom relief compared to antacids, but their effect lasts longer.

during eating

after eating

Question 9 of 20

What percentage of people who have GERD experience symptom relief after taking H2 blockers for six weeks?

40 percent

60 percent

80 percent

H2 blockers are very effective in treating GERD. Approximately 80 percent of those with GERD experience symptom relief after taking H2 blockers continuously, as recommended by their doctors, for six weeks.

Although side effects vary somewhat among the different H2 blockers, common side effects generally include: drowsiness, constipation, nausea and skin irritation. Heart related problems have also been a concern with certain H2 blockers.

sore throat, shortness of breath and hair loss

both of the above

Question 12 of 20

Proton pump inhibitors are used to treat:

mild GERD symptoms

mild-to-moderate GERD symptoms

moderate-to-severe GERD symptoms

Proton pump inhibitors provide the strongest control of stomach acid and are generally used to treat moderate-to-severe GERD symptoms.

Question 13 of 20

Which of the following is a proton pump inhibitor?

Prilosec

Prevacid

both of the above

Proton pump inhibitors, such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex and Protoni, are taken once per day, or as advised by your doctor.

Question 14 of 20

What is a proton pump?

It's a part of the stomach that produces acid.

The proton pump is a part of the stomach that produces acid. Therefore, proton pump inhibitors block the acid production of your proton pump.

It's a part of the intestine that produces acid.

It's an enzyme that is used to produce stomach acid.

Question 15 of 20

How do promotility agents decrease GERD symptoms?

They help increase the speed of digestion.

They increase the tightness of the lower esophageal sphincter.

both of the above

Promotility agents help you digestion food faster, which results in less opportunity for acid to reflux. They also help increase the tightness and effectiveness of your lower esophageal sphincter, thus decreasing the likelihood of acid reflux.

Question 16 of 20

Which of the following is a promotility agent?

Zilex

Reglan

Promotility agents, such as Reglan, have a long list of side effects, including agitation, anxiety, diarrhea and drowsiness, to name a few.

Promax

Question 17 of 20

Promotility agents may interfere with the effects of several drugs, including:

What is a concern with taking drugs like proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers long-term?

It leads to less absorption of nutrients into the body.

Proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers decrease stomach acid that the body needs for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients into the body.

It can cause a rebound effect of high levels of stomach acid.

both of the above

Question 19 of 20

What may happen if you take proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers long-term?

deterioration of stomach lining

decrease in bone density

If you take proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers long-term, your food will not be digested effectively. This can lead to a decrease in nutrients such as calcium, which will ultimately result in a decrease in bone density.

colon cancer

Question 20 of 20

How do cytoprotective barriers decrease GERD symptoms?

They increase the tightness of the lower esophageal sphincter.

They decrease the production of stomach acid.

They coat the lining of the esophagus.

Cytoprotective barriers, such as Carafate, adhere to the lining of the esophagus, protecting it from stomach acid.